Nija embarks on a Caribbean adventure

Nija
,
14

As my summer break was coming to an end, and my first year in high school was about to begin, I just simply wanted to eat, sail on, swim, snorkel, have fun, meet new friends and chillax. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida granted me my wish plus extras.

I had a forever-memorable experience which I will always value. My grandmother, mother, step father, and I were treated like royalty when we stepped foot in the Port of Miami cruise terminal to board the Carnival Valor, a floating, mini city that returned back to the same port seven days later. Our island excursions were exceptional - especially when I visited the exotic zoo in Belize, rode a donkey in Cozumel, Mexico, witnessed a tribal dance performed by a unique African tribe in Honduras, and snorkeled, held, and kissed a sting ray in Grand Cayman.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, my sponsor, the Carnival Cruise Line family have all really made my wait for a kidney transplant a little more at ease and unnerving. This experience will always be treasured. Thank you considerably.